Went out for dinner tonight with a girl, and when we were walking toward the restaurant, I noticed a man sitting on a park bench chatting on his cell phone that resembled the recent Prime Minister candidate Jack Layton. I then also noticed that the lady he was with was also on her cell phone nearby, and with her Asian descent, she resembled none other than Jack Layton’s wife Olivia Chow. So I pointed him out and told the girl that it was Jack Layton. Once again (as on previous occasions) she didn’t believe me, so I had to prove her wrong once again. I hate being right all the time So I said “Mr. Layton?”. So he turned around and I shook his hand telling him that I wasn’t sure if it was him or not. I then told him that I voted NDP in the last election; what a loser I am. I can’t think of anything better to say to him other than that I voted for him in the election. So I told him to enjoy his dinner and let him continue on his way.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/16252632293116411353 iBrett

I had a similar experience about a year ago to the day. Beatrice and I go out walking a lot and would keep seeing individuals who resemble Jack Layton in restaurants or just out and about in Edmonton. I was amused by this because I knew a federal election was about to be called and I thought my political mind was in overdrive.

There was one day where we were walking down Whyte Avenue, in Edmonton, and again I notice this guy who looks like Jack Layton who is a few metres up the road. I should also mention that he is talking on his cell phone. At first I dismissed it as just another guy who looks like Layton, that is until I saw Provincial NDP Leader, of the day, Raj Pannu and newly minted Edmonton-Strathcona NDP candidate Malcolm Azania.

“Holy Shit, it’s Jack Layton,” I say to Beatrice. Raj Pannu knew me well because of my involvement in student lobbying, so he grabs me and calls over to Layton by saying, “Jack, there is someone I’d like you to meet.” I thought to myself, this is impressive, I’m being introduced to the federal NDP Leader by Raj Pannu. So Raj goes through the introductions and Beatrice was amused because she was also introduced as a student leader.

I wanted to demonstrate to Jack that I was aware of his activities since becoming NDP leader, and that I was a fan (I’m a loser too). So I tell him that I was impressed with the NDP campaign on “Which Flag is Paul Flying” (having to do with what country Canada Steamship Lines (Martin’s former company) was registered to save taxes and whether Martin is too sensitive to the needs of big business). Jack is like, “Yeah, yeah…” and then he proceeds to start talking to Beatrice encouraging her to run for the NDP since Canada needs more bright female MPs (a point few can deny but I was a bit insulted that he broke away from our conversation in mid-sentence).

After he finished with Beatrice, Layton turns to me and thanks us for our support. I began to say something in regard to the looming election when Jack, again while I’m in mid-sentence, suddenly lowers himself and shouts to a gentleman in a wheelchair rolling up toward where we were talking. “How are you, blah, blah, blah.” So at that point I gave up – again feeling a bit insulted since I feel, at my core, that a politician’s responsibilities is to listen to people – especially when they are campaigning. I moved on and made introductions with our NDP candidate (who would later make national headlines and destroy his reputation – but that’s another story) before going home.

I still voted NDP in the June 2004 election – but I would like to experience a more positive reception with Jack Layton sometime in the future.

Anyway, reading your post made me recall this story – I realize now that is rather long.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/01550550612915623224 Wildcoyote

At least you said something…..I went to a Buffalo Sabres game in the early nineties. Buffalo was playing Los Angeles Kings and Mr Gretzky.I was walking down the corridor and spotted Bruce McNall the owner of the Los Angeles franchise. My friend told me to call out to him just to be sure. So I did and he turned around. I had nothing to say I was speechless but I managed to show him underneath my coat I was wearing an LA King jersey. He smiled gave me a thumbs up and walked away. Talk about embarrassing.

http://www.blogger.com/profile/04454437680686627778 Jim

Brett, very interesting story. I got the same impression from Mr. Layton that he was in a hurry to leave, but he was a little more polite about it with me. He didn’t interrupt me in mid sentence, but he was definitely in a hurry to get away from me to eat his food